DIY: Cinnamon Brown Sugar Lip Scrub

Do you ever get those disgusting chapped lips that won't seem to go away no matter how many moisturizing lip balms you've tried? Well then this lip scrub is just what you need! 

Cheesy little line, but honestly this lip scrub is a life savior for my chapped lips. I have never bought a lip scrub, just because I didn't want to spend the money. Some can be quite expensive. I remember watching a diy lip scrub on Michelle Phan's youtube channel about four years ago and thinking, "hey, I can do this." Since then I tried different "do it yourself" lip scrubs with items that I found in my pantry - a little bit of trail and error. Once I made this little concoction, I thought, "this is it, this is my holy grail". Not only does it work wonders on my chapped lips, but also, it doesn't cost much since these are all items you can find in your kitchen! So, let's begin!

What you'll need:

~ 2 tsp of brown sugar

~ 1 tsp of olive oil

~ 1 tsp of pure honey

~ 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

~ Dash of ground cinnamon

~ mixing bowl

~ small container 

Mix together the honey and olive oil - natural moisturizers. 

*Note: you might need to add a little bit more olive oil (1/4 tsp) to make the consistency of the scrub a little less thick. If needed, don't do so until the very end. I will tell you when.*

Now, take your 2 tsp of brown sugar and add it to the bowl with honey/olive oil. The sugar will be the gentile exfoliant - removing the dead skin from your lips. 

Add the vanilla extract into the mixture - to make it smell nice. If you notice it to be too tick and glupy, add the 1/4 tsp of olive oil as instructed before.

Now it's time for your dash of cinnamon, just as an added spice.

The lighting went a little funky in this photo - my apologies. 

But this is optional. Add 1/8 tsp of petroleum jelly if you so desire. This will make the consistency of the scrub smoother. 

Voila!!!

And there you have it folks! Your Cinnamon Brown Sugar Lip Scrub. As tempting as it might be, try not to lick it off your lips, because then you'd be licking dead skin - yuck!! Apply a small amount onto your lips and gently scrub for a minute. Then, leave it on for about 4 minutes and wash it off with warm water.  Between uses, store in an air-tight container and place in the refrigerator. Finish your lips off with your favorite Chapstick and then you're done!!

Let me know if you try this little recipe for your lips out and if you like it!!

--Lindsey xx

OOTD: Comfy & Casual

Top - Urban Outfitters

Shorts - Pacsun (LA Hearts)

Shoes - Converse

Watch - Marc Jacobs

Rings - Forever 21

Necklace/Bracelet - Silpada

Raybans - Clubmasters

Bag - Dooney and Bourke

      My mom and I headed to a small shopping village across the river to browse around. While there, we popped into one of our favorite restaurants that makes the best fish tacos. It's a really cute village that has an assortment of stores. Truthfully, I usually go there just to look at their gardens - especially during the summer when their flowers are in full bloom. Knowing that it was going to be hot and humid, I wanted to wear something comfy and lightweight. I've been living in these scalloped shorts from Pacsun for weeks now. They are so versatile - I can dress them down or up. I also love this elephant crop top from Urban Outfitters. Some of you may not know this, but I'm obsessed with elephants and their symbolism. I wore my converse just because I wasn't feeling sandals for the day, as I was going to be walking around a lot. I never used to like wearing sneakers, but I have grown to really like white converse, seeing as they go with just about anything! 

     Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed your week and that it wasn't too long for you. The weekend has finally arrived! Time to relax and enjoy the sunny weather!

-- Lindsey xx

Review: bareMinerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

     A few weeks ago I popped onto the Bare Escentuals website just to have a little browse and what do I see -- a liquid foundation?!??!! My mind was BLOWN to say the least. Some of you may not know this, but I have been using the bareMinerals powder foundation for about seven years straight now. In 7th grade, I remember using liquid foundation once and it broke out my skin horribly, but then my mom introduced me bareMinerals, which not only cleared my skin, but also helped my skin stay clear. Since then, I have never ever used any other product besides bareMinerals on my face, just because I like to stick with what I know and what works with my skin, and for me, bareMinerals does just that.
     Here's a little rundown on what bareMinerals is about. All their products, from foundation to eye pallets - all mineral based. The use of minerals not only helps nourish your skin, but it was created to enhance your skin from the inside out. It also has SPF built in and it is a-okay to sleep in if you forget to wash your face the night before and coming from a college student who sometimes pulls an all-nighter, this is a blessing for the face. So coming from someone who has used this mineral foundation for years, I was a bit surprised to see them come out with a liquid foundation, when you know they're all about the minerals.
     Before taking a stroll over to the bareMinerals boutique in my mall, I decided to do a little bit of research on this foundation: the bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation. What was it all about? Why a liquid foundation now? Will this liquid foundation help my skin like the mineral foundation does? These were all the questions that surfaced my thoughts, so I proceeded to go to the trusty internet for the answers. What I found...There are no binders, meaning no silicone, no parabens, and no oils. It is a "coconut-derived base with jojoba-coated mineral pigments and lilac plant stem cells and vitamin c." This information and more can be found on their website here.
     I went to go get color matched and let me tell you, as soon as the lady put it on, it felt like nothing was on my face. It gave me a very even skin coverage that was lightweight. Three drops total on my face was all I needed. I have been using this product for about two-three weeks now and I can sort of already notice a difference in my skin, which is lovely. Here are a few little shots of the product, and my face before and after.

The Product 

*Note: Make sure to shake the foundation for about thirty seconds since there are no binders, which makes the foundation really thin. I use about three drops on my whole face (1 drop for one cheek, another drop for my other cheek, and a final drop for my forehead/nose/chin).  I would also highly recommend buying the brush, even though it is the same price as the foundation. I know it's a bit pricey, but I read a few reviews where people didn't buy the brush and the brushes that they owned didn't give them the coverage they wanted. But if you do find a different brush that is cheaper and you have it in your collection, then hooray! I just wanted to be safe :)

Before

* As you can see, I have a bit of redness around my nose and in between my eyebrows. I also have a few spots on my chin, which I don't get often. My face is a little bit lighter than the rest of my body. It also is a little shiny on my forehead - yay genes..

After

 *It covered my spots and shininess, while leaving me with an even-skin tone coverage. It also doesn't hide my freckles which I like. 

*I then finished off the look by filling in the brows, a bit of Maybelline mascara on the lashes and bareMinerals vintage peach blush, their warmth, and their mineral veil original to lock in the whole shebang. 

    I am in love with this foundation and will continue to use it until they discontinue it (which will never happen). I have received some lovely comments from strangers and friends about how great my skin looks and I have this foundation to thank. Not only is it beneficial for my skin, but it makes it look great as well. Never in a billion years did I think bareMinerals would hop on the bandwagon and make a liquid foundation, but they did and I love them for it. I really advise you guys to go out and at least test this product - take some samples if you're hesitant about buying the full thing. You will not regret it! Hope this review is helpful for you guys and that you love the product as much as I do!

--Lindsey xx

Roses on the Beach

Playa Vista Beach

     I've been MIA for awhile now. Why? Well, college! In August, I made the haul out to good ol' sunny California. You're probably thinking..."Lindsey, that was August, it's now March." Trust me, I made a list of the days I would set aside for blogging and taking pictures, but honestly, college has been a whirlwind. From meeting new friends to having really different classes and on top of that, being 3,000 miles away from home - it can really take a toll on someone. But who can complain, when the weather's amazing AND the nearest beach is about a ten minute drive. I truly am living the life and I cannot believe that my dream of moving out to California has become a reality. When I was younger, I remember telling everyone about this 'dream.'  Where I'm from people rarely go to college beyond the Mississippi River, so for me, this is a really huge accomplishment.

     I am now back on the East Coast for spring break -- catching up with friends and spending time with my family. Even though I love the weather in California, I do miss the snow covered hills of home. As it is the new year, ( well three months into it) I have made it a resolution to blog more. Yes, I am back on track and I'm not going to veer off of it. I have made a decision, so there is no turning back now!

     To all those people on the East Coast like me, who might be sick of the snow, here are a few pictures from my adventures to the beach. Be on the lookout for more posts. I'm getting back into the swing of things. Enjoy!!!

--Lindsey xx

OOTD: Happy Thanksgiving

Blouse/Sweater/Leggings -- Loft

--Lindsey xx

OOTD: Disney Lovin'

Shirt - Disney

High Waisted Shorts - Deanne's mom

Earrings - Cache

Watch - Guess

Necklace - Silpada

OOTD: Our Spots Are Different Colors

Cheetah Dress - Loft

Shoes - Steve Madden

Earrings: Cache 

     Guess who's back, back again, Lindsey's back, tell your blog friends :) Yes, I am starting to blog again.  I'm excited to get back into the swing of things. I have neglected this way too much and honestly, I don't know why. I guess because of college applications, finals, and the thought of graduation just took up every bit of free time I had. But no, not anymore. College starts in less than two weeks, nerve-raking, but exciting. Freshman year should be focused on studies you say, but I'm going to make it a priority to keep you guys updated and post often as I can. I'm going to have a goal sheet to keep me on track. 

     Truthfully, I have missed the blog world a lot -- getting ready, taking the pictures, writing the posts, and reading the lovely comments. It feels great to be back! Also, I am trying to keep up with my YouTube channels. I have deleted my fashion/beauty channel. I plan to create a new one this weekend/upcoming week. I am thinking of titling it the same as my blog so it will be an easy find. Let me know what you guys think! All in all, I am excited for this blogs future and mine. Spread the word. Speak to you guys soon!!

--Lindsey xx